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What is Landscape photography – Your ultimate guide to landscape photography in 2022
Having a hard time figuring out what landscape photography is?
Are you an amateur photographer wondering how to get started in this genre?
Or are you just looking for more information about the basics of landscape photography?
Well, look no further! In this blog post, we will be exploring everything there is to know about landscape photography. Landscape photography is arguably the most popular category of photography today, and for good reason. Landscapes are beautiful in their own right, yet they provide a backdrop to so many other things…
They tell the story of a place, what it’s like to live there or visit there. Sometimes landscape photographs are used as a means of expression, or as a way to document your travels.
They can even be seen as abstract pieces that evoke emotion just by looking at them.
So what actually is landscape photography? Let’s dive in!
What is the definition of Landscape photography?
What is considered landscape photography?
Landscape photography is a genre of photography that uses many different styles and techniques. Like art…its definition is down to individual interpretation.
For some, it means capturing the beauty of nature with sweeping landscapes and vivid colours. Others may focus more on urban architecture or even seascapes.
The definition of landscape photography may be open to interpretation, but one thing’s for sure…no matter what your definition is, landscape photography is wildly popular all over the world
From amateur hobbyists to the pros, and there’s a style for everyone.
The History of Landscape Photography
So what really is landscape photography and where did it come from?
The word “landscape” comes from the Dutch word landschap, meaning “region or tract of land”. I like to think of landscape photography as capturing an image of a region on earth’s surface.
This could be anything from a city skyline to rolling plains with cattle grazing in them. But as mentioned before, each person has their own opinion and definition.
Opinions aside, one thing is for sure: landscape photography has been around for a long time…
Where it all began...
The earliest example of a landscape image was taken between 1826 and 1827 by French inventor Nicéphore Niépce.
Niépce experimented throughout the early 1820’s with heliography, a process where chemical treated paper is exposed to sunlight to produce photos. This was the process used to create the oldest known landscape photo…
The photo, “view from the window at Le Gras” shows the buildings and surrounding countryside of the French inventors estate
Any guesses on how long the first exposure took? No? A whopping 8 hours!
Where we are now...
Landscape photography has come on a long way since then…
With advances in technology even the most basic smartphone now has a camera capable of capturing high quality crisp images. Even some drones have camera systems that are as good as some mirrorless cameras on the market!
If you’re looking to get in to photography, these improvements have meant you can now pick up a great camera for a reasonable price. Previously, great photos had been restricted to those who could afford a high end camera. Nowadays, even the most basic models rival the best cameras available 10-15 years ago.
The time has never been better to learn photography! Anyone can be a photographer with as little equipment as the cell phone in their pocket.
With these advances in technology, photography has never been more accessible…and if you haven’t already, you should definitely get involved!
Why is Landscape Photography Important?
So, you may be thinking…it sounds great, but why should I pick up a camera and learn landscape photography?
There are many benefits and reasons I personally feel landscape photography is a great hobby…let’s explore a few of them.
Improve your photography skills
I am still learning new skills every day when It comes to photography, but the basics learned in my landscape Photography journey have improved my photography in other areas…
For example, one of the most important aspects of photography is exposure – after all, photography is the art of recording light. Getting the correct exposure is key in every photo you take but is especially true in landscape photography.
Working in different light exposures and lighting environments teaches you to adapt and use the principals of the exposure triangle.These are skills which can be used to improve your photography in other areas too, such as when taking portraits.
And that’s just one of many examples of how landscape photography can boost your photography in other areas.
Document your travels through Landscape Photography
In a day and age where travel is widely popular and accessible to the majority of the world, landscape photography is a great way to capture your travel, share your story through pictures with the world, and create an album of memories…
Who remembers going on vacation with a disposable camera and taking a bunch of pictures… only to discover just how bad they were when you got home. Okay…maybe just my poor photography, but I digress!
When you’re vacationing in that once in a lifetime location, you want photos that are worthy of telling your extraordinary story long in to the future. These photos should be so incredible that they strike the same emotion you felt when you were living it for real.
This is where landscape photography can help!
Taking the time to learn the basics of landscape photography can take your travel photos from average shots, to emotion provoking wonder pieces which will give you joy for years to come.
This is one of the main reasons I became interested …
Create Your Own Art
Whether you enjoy capturing landscapes locally or through your travels, what better way to add a personal touch to your home than to print and frame your work.
Imagine entertaining guests at your home and being able to tell the story behind the incredible pictures hanging on the wall! It may even surprise some guests, and as well as being a great social topic it could even get some photography side jobs…the possibilities are endless.
Printing your own landscape photography is easier than ever, and also saves a trip to Target or Ikea for something to fill that space on your wall.
The Physical and Mental Benefits of Photography
Whether you like it or not, the journey to capturing that perfect shot often involves hiking.
What better incentive to get in shape than capturing the stunning views at the top of a hike?
Also, and not something often spoken about in the landscape photography word, is the mental health benefits of photography.
The world changed in 2020…a lot of people found themselves with lockdown restrictions around the world, and many even out of work
In my opinion, landscape photography has serious benefits for your mental health. I’ve found that being at one with nature and admiring the beauty of this world in search for the next great shot is great for the mind and soul.
In my experience it charges your creative spirit and the act of being productive by creating art can lift your mood and spirit.
You can even sell your work and make extra income, which takes us on to the next point…
Make money with Landscape Photography
Make no mistake about it…the Photography industry is a mighty competitive place when it comes to selling your work, but regardless it is a valid option for making a few bucks on the side
Whether you can make extra money through selling your stunning landscape images or offering personal photography services such as portraits, there are many ways to make money with your photography.
The Types of Landscape Photography
We’ve explored what landscape photography is, and the many benefits, and now you’re probably thinking…”Ok, where do I start?”
As many of us have know, landscape photography can be a challenging genre for some beginner photographers.
The subject matter is vast and varied, which can make it difficult to know where to start.
Luckily, there are many different types of landscape photography that beginners and experts alike can try out depending on their interests!
Let’s explore them…
Fine Art Landscape Photography - Create Art With Your Camera
Is it dramatic and vibrant landscapes pictures that love the most?
You know, the ones that fill you with a sense of awe and amazement the second you lay eyes on them…
If so, fine art landscape photography may be the spark that ignites your passion for landscape photography.
That is if it hasn’t already.
This was the case for me. I had little to no interest in photography before a stunning work in the window of a gallery lured me in. I was in love, and had to get in on the action.
That was the catalyst that started me on my journey in to the world of landscape photography.
If you’re new to the world of photography, you may not have heard of fine art landscape photography. You may be asking questions like: “What makes a photo fine art?”.
Lucky for you, we’ve got the answer to this and a great deal more in our article about fine art landscape photography.
If you’re creative minded and want to turn your work in to timeless art you can cherish for years to come, this is an article you can’t afford to miss!
Black and White Landscape Photography - Dramatic and Emotive
Black and white photography is a style that is often overlooked in todays day and age.
You can understand why…
We live in a time where, for most of us, our camera is our smartphone. The technology in those camera’s is ever increasing, along with the colour science. So why would you shoot Black and White?
I mean, you wouldn’t want every image to appear like it was taken in 1932 would you?
Believe it or not, there are actually situations where black and white landscape photography can produce better results for you. The high contrast can create timeless pieces which will quite frankly amaze you.
So when are the best times to use black and white as a style? And how do you get stunning results with black and white landscape photography?
Our free article on Black and White Landscape Photography explores these very questions, and much more.
Reading the article will help you get epic results like this…
Cloudy Day Photography- Landscape Photography When The Cloud Rolls In...
The third type of landscape photography we’re going to explore will resonate with our UK audience…
and those of you who live in areas of the world dominated by cloud cover.
Landscape photography on a cloudy day can seem like a waste of time to many. Why waste your energy going out and capturing light when the clouds are blocking most of it out?
Well, I agree to some extent. It is the stunning magenta sunsets, and the vibrant vistas which seem to get the most attention. Not clouds so much…
That being said, there are some great shots to be had even when the cloud rolls in. Consider minimalism as a style, for example.
There are some benefits to landscape photography on a cloudy day. For one it allows you to hone your skills and practice in different lightning conditions. This is important so you’re ready when the moment for the shot you’ve been waiting for appears.
The best thing about cloud is it is dynamic, and comes in all shapes and sizes. Often, the conditions change rapidly and you’re left with a sky of pink fluffy clouds making for a great shot.
Making the effort to turn up for the shot, regardless of the conditions is half the battle. You never know what opportunities nature will present you with next…
For the best actionable advice, and for our top tips for shooting in cloudy conditions, check out the full article below.
Representational Landscape Photography
Have you ever been in a situation where you’re out with your camera, and there’s something so beautiful that you just want to document it?
I know the feeling, we’ve all been there. This is a situation where it might be time for some representational landscape photography!
What does representational landscape photography mean?
Representational photographers use composition, perspective, colour theory and other principles to create photographs that are realistic representations or interpretations of landscapes. This is a style of photography that captures the world as we see it…real things, real people, real stuff. Simple.
This is probably the type of photography we’re most familiar with, and one of the most popular types of photography.
It is definitely the go-to for a beginner learning the basics of photography including exposure, composition and colour theory.
Impressionistic Landscape Photography
Maybe you’re more of a rebel and enjoy breaking the rules of photography
Do you like to allowing your creative genius to flow?
Some of the early impressionistic artists of the early 19th century sure did!
If you’re anything like those guys and gals…Impressionistic Landscape Photography might be the perfect style for you.
Here, most of the photography norms you are familiar with to go out the window in the name of creating art and emotion with your photography, in a non-conventional way.
So what is Impressionistic Photography?
Im glad you asked!
Impressionistic photography images typically show the light and its changing qualities associated with the passing of time.
Whilst you normally strive for a sharp focus in landscape photography, the impressionistic style allows for softer images in a more painterly style, as seen in the example.
You also have freedom of expression when it comes to the use of vivid colours.
As the popularity of this style grew, early impressionists used the style to capture momentary action of everyday life .
Impressive!
One compelling reason to get outdoors and give this style a go is the fact I find this style often helps to rediscover your creative genius inside.
We’ve all suffered from those days where we feel either uninspired or suffer from some sort of creativity block…
Getting out there and mixing it up by bringing some impressionism to your work can help to get out of that creativity rut that we’ve all experienced from time to time
It is also a great way to portray some of your favourite go to photography spots in a different light.
Eager for some Impressionistic motivation? Check out the work of early artists including Claude Monet and Edgar Degas.
Abstract Landscape Photography
As we’ve already established it’s easy to get stuck in a rut…taking the same pictures of the same subjects, in the same style…
There is so much more to landscape photography that is waiting to be discovered once you look a little closer… it just needs a little imagination. There is a photography style that goes beyond what we are drawn to naturally with our eyes.
It captures colours, textures, patterns and shapes within nature by looking closely at what’s right in front of us…
Take a walk on the wild side of your creative imagination and look no further than Abstract Landscape Photography!
Like most art, it’s hard to pin down an exact definition for abstract photography. Broadly speaking, it involves taking a subject and looking at it from a different perception…
It often creates a pattern or image which usually has no visual representation of the real world.
Abstract styles take the natural or manmade landscape and use photographic techniques to portray the landscape in a creative way which in which the landscape would not normally be portrayed.
Confused?
No problem, a picture does paint a thousand words…
Take a look at the example. Different from a standard landscape picture right?
By zooming in and focussing on the texture of the contrasty contours, there is a depth and complexity that’s not apparent when observed as part of the wider landscape.
The name of the game is being creative…it’s all about shapes, patterns and different colours and contrasts.
Like impressionistic photography, using an abstract style and experimenting with different landscape and images can be a great way reignite your passion for photography and get those creative juices flowing.
So, what are you waiting for?
Famous Landscape Photographers - Inspiration To Pick Up The Camera And Shoot
So were nearly at the end of the ride…we’ve explored what landscape photography is, the incredible benefits of starting on your landscape photography journey, as well as looking at the different types of landscape photography.
So all that is left to set you on your way is to give you the boost of inspiration you need to get out there and shoot. What better way to do that than to look at some of the main players in the landscape photography world, starting with this man…
Peter lik
Some of you may have heard of Peter Lik or even seen his work.
I first came across his work when I stumbled across one of his galleries in Las Vegas in 2019, but who is Peter Lik and why is he included here?
Much of Liks work typically consists of landscape images of nature from some of the most exotic and popular places in the world. His pieces are usually presented with vibrant saturated colours with a fine art feel.
Lik will undoubtably be a controversial pick for many purists in the landscape photography world, as discussed below. Controversy aside, he is undoubtably one of the most successfully photographers in this genre, especially from a business and financial standpoint.
In a 2015 NY Times article it was reported that he has sold over $440 Million worth of his prints!
He also claims to hold the record for price paid for a photograph when he sold ‘Phantom’ for $6.5 Million in 2014 to an undisclosed buyer.
This being said…some question the validity of this due to the fact the buyer has not come forward
Most of the other photographs in the top 20 most expensive were sold by auction at auction houses such as Christies and Sotheby’s. Phantom was sold privately.
I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusion.
Creative genius, or serial manipulator?
So his work is pricy, so why is he controversial?
Well, some in the industry also question whether some of Liks’ work crosses the line between photography and digital art due to the amount of digital processing.
Digital manipulation is a tool used by many photographers and was even used by Andreas Gursky in his famous ‘Der Rhein II’ photograph.
So if others can manipulate their photo’s, why can’t Lik?
It seems the critics and haters feel Lik’s lack of transparency around his photography processes is the issue, rather than the processing itself. It’s argued people should know what they’re buying, reality or a vision.
Whilst some take issue with his work, I think it’s important for you to decide for yourself. After all, we’re all unique and have individual tastes.
I personally like a lot of his work and he was one of my own inspirations to pick up a camera which, along with him being as successful as he is, is the reason he’s included here.
Check out his website here and decide for yourself.
Charlie Waite
There is no controversy associated with our next inspirational pick.
Charlie Waite is a landscape photographer who has documented the world in his own unique way.
His work has been featured on National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and many other publications.
Charlie travels all over the world to find new landscapes to capture and it’s easy to see why he is so successful with just a quick browse through his website.
With a career spanning over two decades, his style, as described on his website, is unique in that his photographs convey a spiritual quality of serenity and calm. I would certainly have to agree Charlie!
It’s not often that you will find someone who can capture the beauty of nature as well as he can, which is why he’s so successful and without a doubt one of the worlds best when it comes to landscape photography. I hope Charlies’ work inspires you as much as it has me.
If you want to learn more about Charlie, check out his website and get inspired by these photos yourself!
You can also see him in action, with Adam from First Man Photography below.
Ansel Adams
The last pick is someone who still inspires masses of budding photographers to this day… the famous Ansel Adams.
For those who haven’t heard of the renowned landscape photographer, he’s a name you simply must know as his work alone has inspired many. His dedication to the craft was arguably unmatched by any other of his era.
If you’re unfamiliar with Adams’ work, I would start by checking out ‘The Tetons and the Snake River’, taken in 1943.It is a black-and-white photo of Jackson Hole Mountain from Grand Teton National Park, with the Snake River flowing through it at sunrise.This is a piece you simply can’t miss, and even to this day it’s one of the most critically acclaimed works of the 20th century.
I would also recommend checking out his work of Yosemite National Park. Truly exceptional!
Adams was a pioneer in some of the dodging and burning techniques that would come to define modern photography. These techniques allowed him to refine the details and contrast of his photographs, giving a new quality and style that had not been seen before in landscape photography.
Although these techniques are not commonly used in the same manual form today, the same concepts are used through the use of processing software used by many photographers from novice to pro.
The beauty of Adams work can’t be denied by anyone who stands before them.
This is why he is one of top picks who is bound to give you that boost of inspiration to pick up that camera and start shooting!
Wrapping It All Up - Conclusion
So there you have it, your ultimate guide to landscape photography in 2021.
We’ve explored what landscape photography is, taken a look at some popular styles, and I even shared some of my top inspirational picks for good measure.
The rest is over to you…
Hopefully this post has enlightened you on the topic… but you may be feeling overwhelmed.
There are a lot of styles to choose from when it comes to starting your photography journey. Then there is the gear, let alone the post processing. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when learning something new.
My best advice to you is to first find inspiration.
If our picks don’t inspire you, social media can be a great tool. Check out Instagram and 500px.
When I got started, I found that trying to capture similar shots to those that inspired me helped teach me the basics. You can then hone your style later. Once that inspiration hits you, pick up the camera and go shoot. Oh you haven’t got fancy expensive gear? That’s fine, a cell phone camera will work for now whilst you practice.
Your photos may suck at first…we’ve all been there. But when in doubt keep on shooting. The best way to improve is to take more pictures…it’s as simple as that.
Also, keep your eyes peeled to finershots over the coming months as we release new articles. These articles are going to guide you step-by-step on your photography journey.
Until then – happy shooting!
